1 You'll Remember
2 Stay On The Ride
3 Trapeze
4 Getting Ready
5 Burgundy Shoes
6 Heavenly Day
7 No Bad News
8 Railroad Wings
9 Up To The Mountains (MLK Song)
10 I Don't Ever Give Up
11 Someone Else's Tomorrow
12 Crying Over

From Amazon.com

a move away from rock and roll

 Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)

Review Comments: My wife and I were pleasantly suprised by this classy and robust work. I only read a review but took a chance and happy I did. Mellow but strong and not something you will ever hear on a radio station. A sophisticated move up and change of pace from good old R&R. Good with dinner, a drink or driving down the road.

One of my All-Time Favorites!

 Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)

Review Comments: This album is amazing! We listen to over and over again and love every song on it! What an amazing artist! The symbolism and imagery she uses are amazing. I feel like listening to this music feeds my soul. Love, Love, Love it!!

Oh wow!

 Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)

Review Comments: This is one of those remarkable albums that can appeal across multiple tastes, a music lovers album. Really. I think there's such quality here, such a density of time, rhythm and feeling that irrespective of the artist you've just switched over from this album will catch you. Maybe you wouldn't pursue the genre (if any really fit) but you will move on knowing you've caught an artist at their best, and you've been moved in some way. Truly beautiful.

Patty Griffin & Lion in the House

 Album Rating: (5 of 5 stars)

Review Comments: Fans of Patty should try and see a documentary called 'Lion in the House' which features one of her loveliest tracks, 'It Don't Come Easy'. The doco is about how children and their families deal with pediatric cancer and is unbelievably moving.

LYRICALLY LESS SATISFYING, BUT THERE ARE MANY GOOD SONGS - AND THERE'S ALWAYS 'THE VOICE'

 Album Rating: (4 of 5 stars)

Review Comments: I'm a late convert to the music of PG. I first bought '1000 Kisses' followed by 'Impossible Dream', and I have bought this album more recently. The songs are influenced by a number of different music genres - the upside being greater musical variety; but on the downside, it means some (many ?) listeners will find a few songs not to their taste (as I did). All songs are written by PG.

Some comments about selected tracks :

BURGUNDY SHOES - A song of nostalgia with fine lyrics. I can empathise with this song - I too, frequently took the bus ride to Bangor when I was a kid (but it was in North Wales, not Maine); it reminds me of a bygone era when life was much simpler. The song is 'topped and tailed' with some delicate piano playing, but the lush string arrangement in the middle, rather spoiled the mood for me.

NO BAD NEWS - With this song, PG demonstrates that she certainly knows how to rock - and she does so without the (almost obligatory) electric guitar bashing which seems to find favour these days.

UP TO THE MOUNTAIN (MLK SONG) - A slow tempo atmospheric gospel number featuring some great piano playing. The lyrics are OK - but I thought somewhat lacking in originality. The song doesn't get the full gospel 'treatment' (and, in a way, I'm glad), but in my book, the vocals are still amazing - 100% soul (Otis would have been proud).

I DON'T EVER GIVE UP - Some 'power ballads' I like, and some I don't - this one, I like a lot. It starts quietly with acoustic guitar and bongo drums, then gradually builds to a climax (the strings kick in to give some added drama). PG and the band take it down again during the last 2 minutes. 'Airplanes are flying', and PG is right up there flying with them on this one - good lyrics and yet more terrific vocals.

SOMEONE ELSE'S TOMORROW - I think easily the best song for those (like me) needing a heavy fix of lyrical imagery. A slow tempo haunting song with piano accompaniment only (no other instruments). Once again, strong vocals from this exceptional singer.

I enjoyed most of the remaining songs, but I positively disliked 'Stay On The Ride' (trite lyrics and a tedious 'conversational' style); also, the pseudo-punk rocker 'Getting Ready' (complete with jangling guitars, feedback and grotty backing vocals) didn't bowl me over.


In terms of the lyrics, I found 'Children Running Through' to be less satisfying than earlier albums - I get the feeling that PG might be running out of steam (but I hope not), and I didn't care for a couple of songs. On some tracks, she's gone a bit mainstream with her vocals, but as far as I am concerned, on this front she still delivers. Sure, a slight disappointment for me after 1000 Kisses, but nevertheless, I found most of 'Children Running Through' highly enjoyable. PG is still in the zone - however, on this album, closer to the periphery than the centre.